[02/01/12 - 11:49 AM]Ridley Scott's "Prophets of Science Fiction" Returns This February on ScienceIsaac Asimov, Jules Verne, Robert Heinlein and George Lucas are on tap beginning Wednesday, February 15 at 10:00/9:00c.

[via press release from Science]

RIDLEY SCOTT'S "PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION" RETURNS THIS FEBRUARY ON SCIENCE

--The Iconic Director Profiles Legendary Figures Who Connected Science Fiction with Science Fact with all new shows on February 15 -

(Silver Spring, Md.) - Ridley Scott, the creative genius behind legendary Hollywood classics including "Alien," "Blade Runner" and "Gladiator," returns to SCIENCE with the second half of his eight-part series this February with the remaining four episodes of the critically acclaimed, PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION. An auteur of science fiction himself, Scott goes from behind the camera to on-air guide to explore the relationship between genre and the constantly-evolving worlds of science and technology. From Isaac Asimov, to Jules Verne, to Robert Heinlein, to George Lucas, the dreams of storytellers often become the inspiration for researchers seeking mankind's next transformative discovery. PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION returns to SCIENCE on Wednesday, February 15, at 10:00 PM (ET/PT).

"For years I have been fascinated with the connection between creative inspiration and scientific progress," said Scott. "Often there is an attempt to separate the worlds of art and science, when in reality the two are inseparably linked. I am thrilled to work with SCIENCE on PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION, which will be the definitive exploration of science fiction's ability to spark real-world genius."

"Sometimes it takes a true genius to clearly articulate the genius of others. This is what makes PROPHETS of SCIENCE FICTION such a singular project," said Debbie Myers, General Manager and Executive Vice President of SCIENCE. "Having the brilliant Ridley Scott as the on-air guide for this journey enables the series to illuminate the one-of-a-kind inspiration that transforms science fiction to science fact."

PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION is produced for SCIENCE by RDI Productions and Go Go Luckey Productions. For RDI Productions Ridley Scott is executive producer along with Tony Scott, Mary Lisio and David Zucker. Executive Producers Gary Auerbach , Julie Auerbach as well as Co-Executive Producer David Cargill represent Go Go Luckey. Executive Producers for SCIENCE include Debbie Myers, Bernadette McDaid and Rocky Collins.

Episode Descriptions

Isaac Asimov

Premieres Wednesday February 15 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT)

Will robots take over the world? Could scientific advances render humans obsolete? Legendary sci-fi author Isaac Asimov throws humanity's future into question, asking: Are robots the key to human progress...or the end of our species?

Jules Verne

Premieres Wednesday February 22 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT)

What does it take to put a man on the moon... in the 19th century? Or anticipate the gas crisis... in an age of steam? Sci fi visionary Jules Verne predicts the wonders of the future taking the science of the 1870s and pushing the boundaries of possibility. Even today, cutting edge science races to keep up with the imagination of the world's first futurist who dared to ask � how does today create tomorrow?

Robert Heinlein

Premieres Wednesday February 29 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT)

What is freedom? Can our civilization cope with mind control? Or the end of death? Robert Heinlein foresaw new technology that has transformed our lives - and upended society. Are Heinlein's groundbreaking works a prophesy of mankind's liberation, or an endorsement of fascism?

George Lucas

Premieres Wednesday March 7 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT)

Can our thoughts change the world? Is the 'Force' a remarkable prediction of the minds ability to shape reality beyond the walls of our bodies? Star Wars visionary George Lucas imagined sci-fi wonders that have inspired real world scientists to conquer the impossible and redefine the potential of humanity itself.